Modular Vehicle With Detachable Modules That Exchange Information And Power Wirelessly

ABSTRACT

A personal vehicle having quick detachable modules and wireless communication between modules. In one embodiment, a scooter is provided that has a chassis frame and a vehicle body module detachably attached to the frame chassis. The vehicle body module includes one or more batteries. The scooter also includes a rear wheel module having a hub motor detachably attached to the frame chassis, and a controller that directs power from the battery to the hub motor and wirelessly transmits data between the modules to enable vehicle operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/912,636, entitled “PersonalVehicle Having Quick Detachable Modules And Wireless CommunicationBetween Modules,” filed on Oct. 8, 2019, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to vehicles, and in particularto vehicles having quick detachable modules.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The development of personal vehicles, such as electric scooters,continues to advance by incorporating high efficiency motors and highcapacity batteries. Currently, significant resources are spent in themanufacture and assembly processes. However, current assembly processesare expensive, require trained technicians, and produce vehicles at arelatively slow rate.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a personal vehicle is provided that can bereconfigured for easy and cost-efficient manufacture and that utilizeswireless technology to simplify design and operation. For example, inone embodiment, the personal vehicle is an electric scooter that hasmodular components to provide a customizable vehicle, wherein manymodules can be detachably attached forming a single reconfigurablevehicle. The components that perform all the functionalities of thescooter are directed by one or more controllers implemented in one ormore modules. Each module has waterproof casing that encloses theelectronics since waterproofing electric components is an importantfunction in a harsh environment. Each module also has a wireless powersystem comprising a receiver to power the electronics of that module andwireless communication between modules.

In one embodiment, a modular vehicle is a scooter. The scooter isprovided with a chassis frame and a vehicle body module detachablyattached to the frame chassis. The vehicle body module includes one ormore batteries. The scooter also includes a rear wheel module having ahub motor detachably attached to the frame chassis, and a controllerthat directs power from the battery to the hub motor and wirelesslytransmits data between the modules to enable vehicle operation.

Further details and embodiments and methods are described in thedetailed description below. This summary does not purport to define theinvention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components,illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a modular scooter.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the modular scooter shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment chassis frame component for usewith the modular scooter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the scooter bodymounts to the chassis frame.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first battery for use with themodular scooter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a second battery for use withthe modular scooter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the scooter body with the firstand second batteries mounted for use with the modular scooter shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how a saddle mounts tothe chassis frame.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how a rear wheelmounts to the chassis frame.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how handlebars mountto the chassis frame.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how a front wheelmounts to the chassis frame.

FIG. 12 shows a functional block diagram illustrating controllercommunications with a variety of scooter modules.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of a multiple battery scooterconfiguration.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a single battery scooterconfiguration.

FIG. 15 shows a functional block diagram illustrating wireless datacommunications between scooter modules.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a receptacle for use with themodular scooter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mating element that mates toa receptacle as illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows exemplary embodiments illustrating receptacle operation.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment of a footrest mechanism for usewith a scooter.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for constructing amodular scooter.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary flow diagram for power house to modulecommunication.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary flow diagram for module to modulecommunication.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of modular vehicle components of a modular vehicle2300 prior to assembly.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of modular vehicle components of the modularvehicle 2300 after assembly.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing various benefits of a novel modular vehiclein accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a modular vehicle 100. In this example, themodular vehicle 100 is a scooter that runs on battery power and isassembled from modular components. The scooter 100 comprises a chassisframe (not visible), a battery 101, a scooter body 102, a front wheelcomponent 104, a rear wheel component 106, a handlebar component 108,and saddle component 110. Each of the components 101, 102, 104, 106,108, and 110 are attached to the chassis frame. In an embodiment, therear wheel component 106 comprises an electric motor (also referred toas a hub motor) that propels the scooter.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram 200 of the scooter 100 shown inFIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the functions of the scootercomprise a controller 202, battery 204, handlebar and user controls 206,user indicators and accessories 208, wheel motor 210, and brake 212.

The block diagram 200 illustrates a standard configuration of thecontroller 202 and associated functions. The controller 202 is the brainof the system which is connected to the various electronicparts/components and receives inputs from one or more of the componentsto determine signaling to be provided to the components in return. Theblock components may be located in different hardware components andspread across the scooter system. The battery 204, saddle 110,handlebars 108, front wheel 104, and rear wheel 106 are provided asdetachable modules that can be attached to the body 102 or the chassisframe.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a chassis frame component 300for use with the scooter 100 shown in FIG. 1. The chassis frame 300provides the main supporting structure of the scooter 100. In anembodiment, the chassis frame 300 comprises hollow metal tubes andserves as a skeleton onto which other components or modules are mounted.The chassis frame 300 also keeps the rear wheel 106 and the front wheel104 in line to maintain the handling of the scooter. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the chassis frame 300 comprises rear wheel mounting features302, saddle mounting feature 304, handlebar and front wheel mountingfeature 306, and main frame component 308 onto which the scooter body102 mounts.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the scooter body102 mounts to the chassis frame 300. The chassis frame 300 is the mainsupporting structure of the scooter 100 onto which all other modularcomponents are attached. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the scooter body 102mounts to the main frame component 308 (not visible in FIG. 4). The rearwheel mounting features 302, saddle mounting feature 304, front wheelmounting feature 306 are visible in FIG. 4.

In an embodiment, the scooter body 102 houses the controller 202 (atmounting location 402) that sends signals to control the power output ofthe hub motor in the rear wheel when attached. In addition, thecontroller 202 supports other functions, such as general twist throttle,brake power-off, LCD meters and a variety of other functions of thescooter.

In an embodiment, the scooter body 102 is mounted on a relatively rigidmain frame component 308 comprising tubular modules of high strength.The scooter body 102 also provides mounting location 404 to mount thebattery 204. A second mounting location 406 is used to mount a secondbattery. The chassis frame 300 provides support and holds all the othermodules of the scooter in place. The scooter body 102 houses thecontroller and is the master that delivers power to all the othermodules and drives the communication. Each module responds to requestsfrom the scooter body 102.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first battery 502 for use withthe modular scooter shown in FIG. 1. For example, the first battery 502has a cylindrical shape and mounts to the scooter body 102 at location404 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a second battery 602 for usewith the modular scooter shown in FIG. 1. For example, the secondbattery 602 has a linear shape. The scooter's modular layout defines thesize and shape of the batteries. The batteries can be shaped as either asimple linear pack or having a cylindrical form as shown with respect tothe first battery 502. The scooter body 102 provides mounting location406 to mount the second battery 602.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the first 502 andsecond 602 batteries are mounted on the scooter body 102 for use withthe modular scooter 100 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the linear secondbattery 602 is mounted at the bottom of the scooter body 102 and thecylindrical first battery 502 is mounted as a downtube battery that ispositioned on the frame by means of a mounting rail and is secured by abattery lock. In one embodiment, the batteries 502 and 602 can becharged while attached to the scooter body 102. In another embodimenteach of the batteries 502 and 602 can charge the batteries, they caneither be dismounted or charged while in place.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the saddle 110mounts to the chassis frame 300. For example, the saddle 110 mounts tothe saddle mounting feature 304 of the chassis frame 300.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the rear wheel 106mounts to the chassis frame 300. For example, the rear wheel 106 mountsto the rear wheel mounting features 302. In an embodiment, the rearwheel module 106 houses a hub motor that propels the scooter duringoperation.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the handlebar 108(also referred to as a steering module) mounts to the chassis frame 300.For example, the handlebar 108 mounts to the handlebar and front wheelmounting feature 306.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment illustrating how the front wheel104 mounts to the chassis frame 300. For example, the front wheel 104mounts to the handlebar and front wheel mounting feature 306.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram illustrating communication between thecontroller and other modules of the scooter 100. For example, thecontroller 202 communicates with the handlebar 206 to control functionsof the throttle (e.g. cruise control) and auxiliary systems. Thecontroller 202 also controls braking 1202, lights 1204, and motorizedseat alignment 1206.

In various embodiments, the modules used in the scooter are used in anoutdoor environment and may be exposed to water, humidity, salts, androad hazards, which can cause corrosion but most importantly, can causesevere damage to the electronics. The modules are configured to have awaterproof casing that enclose the electronics to waterproof theelectric components for use in harsh environments.

In an embodiment, the modules have their own power source (e.g.,batteries) and charging systems, such that the batteries have adequatecapacity and rating to support the power specifications of each moduleon its own. An emergency system is incorporated in every module suchthat if the in-module batteries do not have adequate capacity to powerthe module, the module will request additional power from the rigidbase, which is the power module of the whole system. The access to powerfor every module from the power module can be wired or wireless.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram that illustrates a power module 1302 and amodule 1304 in a multiple battery configuration. For example, a wirelesspower transmission system is provided. In this example, the power module1302 in the rigid base has a transmitter device 1306 that transmitspower from a main battery 1308 to a receiver device 1310 in the module1304. The receiver device 1310 extracts the power from the field andcharges the battery 1312 of the receiving module 1304. In anotherexample, the the power module 1302 contains a receiver device thatextracts the power from the field and charges the main battery 1308.

FIG. 14 shows a diagram that illustrates the power module 1302 and amodule 1304 in a single battery configuration. In this configuration,batteries are not present in every module. Each module uses extractedpower by its receiver device 1308 to directly power the module ratherthan charging a module battery. For example, modules request power fromthe power module 1302, which provide the needed power to drive thecomponents within the module 1304. In an embodiment, the module 1304places a request 1402 for power to the power module 1302, which isacknowledged by turning ON a switch 1404 that enables power transmissionto the module 1302. The module can also place a request 1402 to thepower module 1302 to turn OFF the power, which is acknowledged byturning OFF the switch 1404.

In another embodiment, each module has connectors, where the power andground line of the power house in the rigid base are connected to thepower and ground line of the modules, which charges the module batteryor powers the module directly.

FIG. 15 shows a functional block diagram illustrating wireless datacommunications between scooter modules. For example, in an embodiment,wireless communication between control units (CU) of the modules isprovided for sharing data and uses technologies in a wired mode,wireless mode, or a combination of both. The communication between themodules involves one or more various techniques or combinations oftechniques. Wired connectors are used to allow the modules tocommunicate with each other using dedicated wires for high level busprotocols on which data is transmitted and interpreted. Wirelesscommunication is used to allow modules to communicate when they arewithin the communication distances that can carry secure, two-wayinteractions between electronic devices in the modules. There are anumber of different wireless technologies that may be used and each hasits advantages and disadvantages.

In one embodiment, a method is used for uniquely identifying modulesusing radio wave communication. Since the empty distance between themodules is nearly zero, this method takes advantage of the short readrange distances. In another embodiment, secure communication technologyis used between modules as the modules are in very close proximity. Thesecure communication supports half duplex mode and read/write modecommunication. In another embodiment, each module is designed to be aself-contained device that does not need other modules to function. Themodule comprises hardware and software that work together to runapplications pertaining to that module. The module uses technologies andstandards to demonstrate compliance in a stand-alone configuration.

In another embodiment, a communication controller is placed in everymodule so that when the modules are latched to each other during thefinal assembly process, the transmitter in each module is in proximitywith the receiver in the other module within a range of a fewcentimeters. The control unit of a module that controls the modulecomponent functions transmits signals using the transmitter and receivessignals using the receiver.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the communication systemcomprises an antenna (A), a controller, a secure element (SE), and ahost controller. The antenna enables the receiving and the transmittingof a signal. The controller modulates and demodulates the incoming andoutgoing signal. The SE enables the components to run in a secureenvironment. The host controller is the heart of the module and controlsoverall operation.

Depending on the requirements, the two modules can be in full duplex orhalf duplex mode. In an embodiment, when both modules are in proximitywith each other, there can be an exchange of data. The initiating modulecreates a radio magnetic (RM) field (electromagnetic field), and sendsdata or requests to the target module. The initiating module turns itsRM field off and the target module creates an RM field to read the data.On the other hand, the target module sends data and turns an RM fieldoff. In this way, half duplex transmission can be achieved. In anotherembodiment, the initiating module creates a RM field. The initiatingmodule sends requests to the target module. The target module respondswith the needed information.

The configurations for modular communication can be categorized into twosections as follows. In an embodiment, Near Field Communication (NFC)technology is used for communication between modules. However,communication between modules is not limited to this technology and canbe extended to other appropriate wired and wireless technologies. Moreinformation describing module to module communication is provided withreference to FIG. 22.

The Rigid Base (Power House) is a removable battery module comprisingone or more batteries capable of receiving and storing an electriccharge within the removable battery module. The Rigid Base is capable ofbeing removed from the scooter and can be charged via an A/C outlet.Every module has an in-house battery, which can be charged via an A/Coutlet or through the Rigid Base (Power House). More informationdescribing Rigid Base to module communication is provided with referenceto FIG. 21.

FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a receptacle 1600 for use withthe modular scooter shown in FIG. 1. The receptacle 1600 can be oval,circular, square, or rectangular or have any other suitable shape. Thereceptacle 1600 includes locking indentations 1602 and through holes oropenings 1604 that are used to secure to a mating element.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mating element 1700 thatmates to a receptacle. For example, the mating element 1700 forms aflexible element having a locking features 1702 and sensor system 1704that can detect when proper attachment to the receptacle 1600 isachieved.

FIG. 18 shows exemplary embodiments illustrating how a receptacle andmating element are attached. For example, as illustrated in the drawing1802, the receptacle 1600 is inserted into the mating element 1700. Asillustrated in the drawing 1804, the locking features 1702 locking intothe indentations 1602 of the receptacle. As illustrated in the drawing1806, the locking features 1702 are placed in the lock position tosecure the receptacle 1600 to the mating element 1700. In the lockingposition, the locking features 1702 are detectable by the sensor system1704 to enable detection of successful locking.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment of a footrest mechanism for usewith a scooter. In one embodiment, the footrest mechanism has a framehaving an outside portion. The footrest mechanism comprises a footrest,a sidewall, one or more mounting slots, a footrest recess, a footrestassembly, a pivot bracket assembly, one or more support pegs, and afootrest device.

The footrest can be mounted on the outside of the frame. The sidewallhas an outside portion. The mounting slots are formed through thesidewall of the frame. The footrest recess is formed on the outside ofthe sidewall of the frame. The footrest assembly can be attached to theframe. The pivot bracket assembly is attached to the frame and can bemounted in the mounting slot along the sidewall of the frame. Thefootrest device can be mounted on and pivoted with the support pegoutside the mounting slot and is selectively retracted against theoutside of the sidewall of the frame or extended and selectively held inthe footrest recess.

In another embodiment, the footrest device is mounted detachably on thesupport peg and can be mounted on another slot to connect the footrestdevice to the support peg. The footrest device is designed so that itcan also be mounted on multiple slots against the outside of thesidewall. The footrest mechanism exists on both sides of the scooter.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method 2000 for constructing a modularpersonal vehicle, such as the scooter 100 shown in FIG. 1. In a firststep (step 2002), a chassis frame for the scooter is selected. Forexample, the chassis frame 300, is selected. In a second step (step2004), a scooter body is attached to the chassis frame. For example, thescooter body 102 is attached to the chassis frame 300. In this example,the scooter body 102 includes a controller that controls overalloperation of the modular personal vehicle. In a third step (step 2006),a front wheel module is attached to the chassis frame. For example, thefront wheel module 104 is attached to the chassis frame 300. In a fourthstep (step 2008), a rear wheel module is attached to the chassis frame.For example, the rear wheel module 106 is attached to the chassis frame300. The rear wheel module includes a hub motor to propel the modularpersonal vehicle. In a fifth step (step 2010), a handlebar module isattached to the chassis frame. For example, the handlebar module 108 isattached to the chassis frame 300. The handlebar module 108 includesthrottle and other controls to steer and operate the modular personalvehicle. In a sixth step (step 2012), a saddle module is attached to thechassis frame. For example, the saddle module 110 is attached to thechassis frame 300. In a seventh step (step 2014), at least one batteryis attached to the scooter body. In one example, the battery 502 isattached to the scooter body 102. In another example, the battery 502and the battery 602 are attached to the scooter body 102.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary flowchart for a method 2100 in accordance withone novel aspect. In a first step (step 2102), modules are mechanicallycoupled together. For example a first vehicle module is mechanicallycoupled to a second vehicle module. In a second step (step 2104), aconnection is established between vehicle modules. For example, thesecond vehicle module establishes a wireless connection with the firstvehicle module. In a third step (step 2106), power transfercharacteristics are established. In a fourth step (step 2108), power istransferred between vehicle modules. For example, the first vehiclemodule wirelessly transfers power to the second vehicle module. Inanother example, the second vehicle module transfers power to the firstvehicle module via a wired connection. In a fifth step (step 2110),power is transferred between vehicle modules until the power transfer iscomplete. In a sixth step (step 2112), power transfer between vehiclemodules is disabled.

FIG. 22 shows an exemplary flow chart for a method 2200 in accordancewith another novel aspect. In a first step (step 2202), vehicle modulesare mechanically coupled. For example a second vehicle module ismechanically coupled to a first vehicle module. In a second step (step2204), a connection is established between vehicle modules. For example,the first vehicle module establishes a wireless connection with thesecond vehicle module. In another example, the second vehicle moduleestablishes a wired connection with the first vehicle module. In a thirdstep (step 2206), a secure communication channel is established betweenvehicle modules. In a fourth step (step 2208), information is exchangedacross a secure communication channel. For example, the first vehiclemodule wirelessly exchanges information with the second vehicle module.In another example, the second vehicle module exchanges information withthe first vehicle module via a wired connection. In a fifth step (step2210), information is transferred between vehicle modules until theinformation transfer is complete. In a sixth step (step 2212), thecommunication channel between vehicle modules is closed. For additionalinformation on the methods 2100 and 2200, including how to construct andoperate systems that can perform methods 2100 and 2200, see: U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/912,636, entitled “PersonalVehicle Having Quick Detachable Modules And Wireless CommunicationBetween Modules,” filed on Oct. 8, 2019.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of modular vehicle components of a modular vehicle2300 prior to assembly. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the modularvehicle 2300 includes a first modular vehicle component 2302, a secondmodular vehicle component 2304, a third modular vehicle component 2306,and a chassis frame 2308. The first modular vehicle component 2302includes vehicle module coupler 2310 that is configured to couple to afirst vehicle module coupler 2312 of the second modular vehiclecomponent 2304. The third module component 2306 includes vehicle modulecoupler 2314 that is configured to couple to a second vehicle modulecoupler 2316 of the second module component 2304. In another example,the vehicle module couplers 2310, 2312, 2314, and 2316 are configured indifferent ways to attach to each other. Furthermore, FIG. 23 illustratesone example of the modular vehicle components shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of modular vehicle components of the modularvehicle 2300 after assembly. The example of FIG. 24 shows the firstmodular vehicle component 2302 including a first controller 2322, afirst battery 2324, power circuitry 2326, and an antenna 2328. Thesecond modular vehicle component 2304, includes a second controller2332, a second battery 2334, power circuitry 2336, and an antenna 2338.The third modular vehicle component 2306, includes a third controller2342, an accessory device 2344, power circuitry 2346, an antenna 2348.In this example, the second modular vehicle component 2304 is attachedto chassis frame 2308. In another example, similar to FIG. 1, themodular vehicle components 2302, 2304, and 2306 are each attached to thechassis frame 2308.

The modular vehicle components are attached to each other by manualinterlocking systems, by self locking mechanisms, or by a combination ofboth. In manual interlocking systems, techniques are used to connectfloating modules by utilizing a male-female interlocking arrangement ofconnector bodies which manually lock and unlock allowing quick and easyconnecting and disconnecting of the modules. In self-lockinginterlocking systems, techniques are used to connect floating modulesusing a self locking auxiliary block for attachment of modules and areleasable engagement with a matable receiving surface. In addition,self-locking interlocking systems also includes methods to monitor thelocked or unlocked status of each module by sensing in the lockedposition. In addition, the system generates alerts when a lock is movedfrom the locked position without authorization.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing various benefits of a novel modular vehiclein accordance with at least one embodiment. In a first step (Step A), aproviding entity, also referred to as a manufacturing entity,manufactures and provides vehicle modules to an assembling entity. Inthis example, the vehicle modules are assembled into a module scootervehicle 2500. The vehicle modules includes a body module 2502, a frontwheel module 2503, a steering module 2504, a battery module 2505, aseating module 2506, and a rear wheel module 2507. Each of the frontwheel module 2503, the steering module 2504, the battery module 2505,the seating module 2506, and the rear wheel module 2507 is attachable tothe body module 2502 via manual interlocking mechanisms, self lockingmechanisms, or by a combination of both as described above. Onceattached, each module is operable to exchange information or powerbetween at least one other module.

In a second step (Step B), the assembling entity assembles the vehiclemodules into a modular vehicle 2500 and provides the modular vehicle2500 to an operating entity. The operating entity is to use the modularvehicle 2500 as a form of transportation. In one embodiment, theproviding entity and the assembling entity are the same entity. Inanother embodiment, the providing entity and the assembling entity areseparate entities.

In a third step (Step C), the operating entity operates the modularvehicle. For example, the operating entity uses the modular scootervehicle 2500 to conduct daily transportation activities, such ascommuting to and from work. During the commute, the battery module 2505is discharged. In one example, the operating entity stops at a chargestation, plugs the battery module 2505 into a charger, and waits for thebattery module 2505 to fully recharge. In another example, the operatingentity stops at a service provider entity facility and exchanges thedepleted battery module 2505 with a fully charged battery.

In a fourth step (Step D), the discharged battery module is swapped witha fully charged battery module 2508. The modular characteristics of themodular vehicle 2500 yields this significant technological improvementwhere the operating entity only needs to swap the battery module at aservice provider entity facility without having to wait for a rechargecycle. In one example, the service provider entity charges a flat fee orsubscription fee for this battery exchange service. In one embodiment,the assembling entity and the service provider entity are the sameentity. In another embodiment, the assembling entity and the serviceprovider entity are separate entities.

In a fifth step (Step E), the operating entity continues operating themodular vehicle 2500 without stopping and waiting to recharge. Theoperating entity continues operating until the modular vehicle 2500requires recharging or repair.

In a sixth step (Step F), a module 2507 of the modular vehicle 2500 isreplaced with a new module 2509. The modular characteristics of themodular vehicle 2500 yields this additional significant technologicalimprovement in which no repair is required to maintain the modularvehicle 2500. The service provider entity replaces the damaged or usedmodule with a new module resulting in quick and efficient serving. Thesenovel techniques leverage economies of scale in that the providingentity can mass product various modules and provide them to variousentities at low costs. Repairs or replacement costs are significantlyreduced and no time is wasted on awaiting repairs or replacementcomponents as with conventional vehicles.

Although certain specific embodiments are described above forinstructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document havegeneral applicability and are not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed above. The function of the hardware circuitry illustrated inthe figures can be implemented in hardware circuitry as shown, or in acombination of dedicated hardware circuitry and software, or largely insoftware. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, andcombinations of various features of the described embodiments can bepracticed without departing from the scope of the invention as set forthin the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a chassis frame; a firstmodular vehicle component; and a second modular vehicle component,wherein the first modular vehicle component attaches to the secondmodular vehicle component, wherein information is exchanged between thefirst modular vehicle component and the second modular vehiclecomponent, and wherein power is wirelessly exchanged between the firstmodular vehicle component and the second modular vehicle component. 2.The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: a third modular vehiclecomponent having an accessory device, wherein the third modular vehiclecomponent attaches to the second modular vehicle component, and whereinthe second modular vehicle component controls operation of the accessorydevice via a wired or wireless connection.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2,wherein energy stored in the first modular vehicle component is used tosupply the third modular vehicle component.
 4. The vehicle of claim 2,wherein the second modular vehicle component requests power from thefirst modular vehicle component based on power requirements of the thirdmodular vehicle component.
 5. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein a firstentity assembles the vehicle by attaching the second modular vehiclecomponent to the chassis frame, by attaching the first modular vehiclecomponent to the second modular vehicle component, and by attaching thethird modular vehicle component to the second modular vehicle component,wherein the first entity supplies the vehicle to a second entity thatoperates the vehicle, and wherein the first modular vehicle component isdetachable by the second entity.
 6. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein theaccessory device is an electric motor, and wherein the second modularvehicle component controls operation of the electric motor based on userinput.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the second modular vehiclecomponent is attached to the chassis frame.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the second modular vehicle component authenticates the firstmodular vehicle component via key exchange communications, and whereinsecond modular vehicle component communicates with the first modularvehicle component only if authentication is successful.
 9. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein information is exchanged between the first modularvehicle component and the second modular vehicle component via a wiredor wireless connection.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the firstmodular vehicle component comprises a first controller, a first battery,and a first vehicle module coupler, wherein the second modular vehiclecomponent comprises a second controller, a second battery, and a secondvehicle module coupler, and wherein the first modular vehicle componentcouples to the second modular vehicle component by coupling the firstvehicle module coupler to the second vehicle module coupler.
 11. Thevehicle of claim 10, wherein information is exchanged between the firstcontroller and the second controller via a secure communication channel,and wherein electrical energy is wirelessly transferred between thefirst battery and the second battery.
 12. The vehicle of claim 10,wherein the first modular vehicle component further comprises a firstenclosure, wherein the first controller is disposed within the firstenclosure, wherein the first vehicle module coupler is disposed on thefirst enclosure, wherein the second modular vehicle component furthercomprises a second enclosure, wherein the second controller is disposedwithin the second enclosure, and wherein the second vehicle modulecoupler is disposed on the second enclosure.
 13. A method comprising:forming a first vehicle module; and forming a second vehicle module,wherein the second vehicle module is attachable to a vehicle frame,wherein the first vehicle module is attachable and detachable to thesecond vehicle module, wherein when the first vehicle module is attachedto the second vehicle module, information is transferred between thefirst vehicle module and the second vehicle module, and wherein when thefirst vehicle module is attached to the second vehicle module, power iswirelessly transferred between the first vehicle module and the secondvehicle module.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the forming isperformed by a manufacturing entity, and wherein the method furthercomprises: providing the first vehicle module and the second vehiclemodule to an assembling entity that attaches the first vehicle module tothe second vehicle module.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thevehicle is operated by an operating entity, wherein the vehicle has atleast one vehicle module that is interchangeable with a third vehiclemodule by the operating entity, wherein the vehicle has at least onevehicle module that is interchangeable with a fourth vehicle module by aservice providing entity, and wherein the vehicle is operable with thethird vehicle module and the fourth vehicle module installed on thevehicle.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first vehicle moduleincludes a battery, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle module havinga motor, and wherein when the battery of the first vehicle module isdepleted, the first vehicle module is removed from the vehicle, providedto a charging entity that exchanges the first vehicle module with athird vehicle module having a fully charged battery, and the thirdvehicle module is attached to the second vehicle module.
 17. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: forming a third vehicle module havingan accessory device, wherein the third vehicle module attaches to thesecond vehicle module, and wherein the second vehicle module controlsoperation of the accessory device via a wired or wireless connection.18. The method of claim 17, wherein energy stored in the first vehiclemodule is used to supply the accessory device of the third vehiclemodule, and wherein the second vehicle module controls operation of theaccessory device in response to user input.
 19. A system comprising: afirst vehicle module having a battery; and means for detachably couplingto the first vehicle module, wherein the means is also for communicatinginformation with the first vehicle module, wherein the means is also forwirelessly transferring power with the battery of the second vehiclemodule, and wherein the means is attached to a vehicle chassis.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the means is a vehicle module having anenclosure, a vehicle module coupler, a controller, power circuitry, anda coil, wherein the detachably coupling involves the vehicle modulecoupler mating with part of the first vehicle module, wherein thecommunicating involves the controller sending to and receiving data fromthe first vehicle module, and wherein the wirelessly transferring powerinvolves the power circuitry and coil magnetically coupling to the firstvehicle module.